Subject: Metaphor for Feedback Loop

Posted by Richard Turnock on 2/9/2006
In Reply To:Metaphors Posted by Richard Turnock on 1/27/2006

Message:

OK, I started this with a question about defining feedback loop using a metaphor.

Here is one way to answer my question.



Feedback Loop Discussion



Dr. Jay W. Forrester said:

>>>>>>>>>

"Everything that changes through time is controlled by feedback loops."

>>>>>>>>>



Rephrasing what Dr. Forrester said: Feedback loops control everything that changes through time. With this conclusion the questions remain. What is a feedback loop? What do we mean by control? I will attempt to use metaphors to deal with these questions.



Everyday we pick up the big wooden hammer, lift it high over our heads and attempt to hit the right spot on the lever that throws the plug up the wire to hit the brass bell. We believe things happen by our force causing an effect. We take credit for our successes and blame others for failures.



Instead, everyday we should take a mental ride on the ferris wheel loops that control things that change. Imagine riding on the ferris wheel around in a circle or loop. The parts of the ferris wheel connect together in a structure that holds the turning wheel and you take a mental ride.



As you loop around you grab things, carry them to a new position on the structure and leave them there. Sometimes you grab information, sometimes you move matter or energy, or sometime you move emotions, feelings or other qualitative entities.



As you do this, the things you pick up and leave behind have consequences. The structure of the ferris wheel remains the same unless the consequences become so sever that the very structure changes.



One time you stop at the top, look around and there are ferris wheels everywhere, for as far as you can see. You can go for a ride on any of them anytime.



Using this metaphor, one can then use specific examples of things picked up and left behind in a feedback loop and describe the consequences. Then you can talk about examples of systems.





Richard Turnock

richardturnock@comcast.net